
How to Properly Burn and Care for Your Scented Candles
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Scented candles are more than just a way to light up a room—they’re an experience. The soft glow and the soothing aromas they release can set the perfect mood, whether you’re winding down after a long day or enjoying a cozy evening. But to truly get the most out of your scented candles, there are a few simple steps to follow that will not only make them last longer but also ensure the fragrance fills your space beautifully. Here’s how to properly burn and care for your scented candles so you can enjoy them to the fullest.
1. Trim the Wick Before Each Use
One of the easiest yet most important things you can do to ensure your scented candle burns evenly is trim the wick. A long wick can cause the candle to burn too hot, produce excess soot, and even cause the flame to flicker. Before lighting your candle, make sure the wick is about 1/4 inch long. This simple step will help your candle burn cleanly, allowing the fragrance to be released evenly and avoiding that black soot around the edges.
2. Burn Your Candle for the Right Amount of Time
When you light your scented candle for the first time, let it burn for at least 2 hours or until the wax has melted across the entire top. This helps prevent the wax from tunneling, where the center burns down while leaving wax on the edges. On future burns, try to keep your candle burning for no more than 4 hours at a time. This ensures the wick doesn't become too hot and helps your candle burn more evenly over time.
3. Keep Your Candle Away from Drafts
Candles may look beautiful, but a draft can make all the difference. Wind, fans, or even air conditioning can cause the flame to flicker and make the candle burn unevenly. This can also affect the scent, causing it to burn faster than you’d like. For the best experience, keep your scented candle in a spot where there’s little to no airflow, like away from windows or vents.
4. Extinguish the Flame Carefully
When you're ready to put out your scented candle, don’t just blow it out. Blowing can cause wax to splatter, potentially damaging the wick and even making the candle harder to relight next time. Instead, use a wick dipper or a candle snuffer to gently extinguish the flame. This will help keep the candle’s fragrance intact for your next use and prevent unnecessary smoke.
5. Store Your Candles Properly
To keep your scented candles in top shape, store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can cause the wax to melt or the scent to fade, making your candles less effective. A cool, dark area will preserve the scent, so when you're ready to use your candle again, it’ll smell as fresh as when you first got it.
6. Clean Your Candle Containers
Once you’ve burned down a candle, the container may have leftover wax. Instead of tossing it, take the time to clean it out. After the wax has hardened, scrape out any remaining bits with a butter knife or spoon. You can then wash the container with warm, soapy water. Not only does this make the container look nice, but it also ensures that your next candle burns cleanly.
7. Repurpose Leftover Wax
Don’t throw away your leftover wax! If you have small scraps of wax from a few used candles, you can melt them down and pour them into a new container. This is a great way to mix different scents together for a one-of-a-kind blend, and it’s a nice way to reuse wax and reduce waste.
Conclusion
Properly caring for your scented candles isn’t just about making them last longer—it’s about getting the most out of the experience. A little attention goes a long way, whether it’s trimming the wick, storing them correctly, or ensuring an even burn. These small steps will help you enjoy your candles in the best way possible. And, if you’re looking for premium, handmade scented candles, check out The Candle Wick Store. They offer a beautiful range of city-inspired candles, all made with 100% natural soy wax and premium fragrances, perfect for adding a personal touch to your home. Enjoy the process of caring for your candles and the warm ambiance they bring!